Ford built Liberators in 55 minutes

[GScholz]

I think I know where the discrepancy comes from, but I'm not 100% certain yet...

The Soviet figure of 46,000 lost aircraft in combat induces aircraft destroyed by enemy aircraft, ground fire and missing in action/failed to return.

The Luftwaffe figure of 45,000 Soviet aircraft destroyed in air combat includes Soviet aircraft shot down by Luftwaffe aircraft, and ground fire.

The Luftwaffe figure of 77,000 Soviet aircraft destroyed includes Soviet aircraft shot down by Luftwaffe aircraft, ground fire, and destroyed on the ground by bombing and strafing.

Apparently the Soviets did not consider uncrewed aircraft destroyed on the ground as "combat losses".

I'm not 100% sure yet, but I'm still investigating.

[Scherf]

Found another which gives comparative loss rates on operations to targets in Germany. I guess this is what people mean when they say the 8th daylight campaign against Germany was not sustainable without lots and lots of long-range escort craft.

[Brooke]

At a 9% loss rate (typical for most of 1943), the odds of your aircraft going down in 5 missions is 38%, 10 missions is 61%, 15 missions is 76%, 20 missions is 85%.  This doesn't include the odds of you being killed in a bomber that makes it back.

Those are some grim odds.

A great book that covers the US 8th AF action in this regard and many other aspects is "Masters of the Air," by Miller.  Wonderful book.